Hunter, his Physician's mind on full alert, moved the quickest. He gently but swiftly rolled Adam onto his back. Hunter saw that Adam's lips were turning blue and he wasn't visibly breathing.
Roman rushed to Adam while Shawn ran for the trauma kit. The kit contained a small, portable oxygen canister and a portable defibrillator. Thanks to his nursing course, Shawn knew exactly what to do.
Hunter checked to make sure no physical object was caught in Adam's throat. He found nothing and began CPR until Shawn could prepare the equipment. Roman took Adam's hand in his.
"Let go of him, please. Breathe baby, come on my strong, handsome Viking. LET. HIM. BREATHE!" Roman begged at first, then he became commanding.
Bray shoved the others out of the room and closed the door. He went to stand behind Roman. He couldn't yet comprehend what had happened to his protégé. He placed a hand on Roman's shoulder.
"Talk to Adam, forget the demon. Don't give it any more power." Bray encouraged Roman.
Roman nodded. "Adam, you listen to me. You make yourself breathe. Come on my beautiful baby, breathe... just fucking breathe!" He spoke firmly.
Shawn was about to place the oxygen mask over Adam' face when the unconscious blond took a sudden, deep gasp of air. His chest heaved as the breath entered his lungs. His lips lost their blue color as life came back to him. Shawn sighed and went to return the oxygen back in the trauma kit.
Hunter monitored Adam's vitals. "Everything seems to be stable. Good work, Roman." he placed his stethoscope over his shoulders like a scarf.
Roman caressed Adam's brow. "Good job, my love. You keep strong for me. Keep fighting, you can do it. Baby, Bray is here. He came, just to see you..." He paused, Adam's eyes began to flutter open.
"Ro... man... B... Bray?" Adam's voice was extremely hoarse, but it was his own. Brief flashes of hazel shone behind the fluttering lashes. For the moment, Adam was his normal self.
"Yes, baby. I'm here and I love you so fucking much." Roman leaned down and kissed Adam's cheek. He wanted to kiss Adam's lips, but that was too dangerous. A kiss would give the demon a portal to Roman's soul.
Bray gently patted Adam's knee. "I'm here, kiddo. Thanks to you, I got to ride on a top secret plane. I brought my boys, they are anxious to see you too. You listen to Roman, stay strong. Adam, can you tell us who has you?" He knew the question was risky, but they had to grasp any straw they could.
While Roman and Bray spoke with Adam, Mark went to get a stronger set of bindings. He hated to do it, especially with Adam aware, but Mark once again bound Adam's wrists and ankles to the bed. These bindings, while still made of leather, had a special copper band in the core. Copper tended to have an effect on demons. These bindings had also been blessed by Wizards, they had been in the box from Wade's Uncle.
Adam was still himself as Mark bound him to the bed. "I'm sorry." Mark's voice was filled with sorrow as he worked. He couldn't look Adam in the eye.
Adam managed a very weak smile. "It's... alright... Mark... I under... stand..." His voice was barely a whisper and it hurt as he swallowed.
Shawn brought Roman a cup filled with crushed ice and a spoon. "Here, it will make your throat feel better." He gave Adam's leg a caress as Mark buckled the last binding in place.
For the next few minutes, it was if nothing had happened. Roman slowly fed Adam a few spoonfuls of ice. Wade and Bray spoke quietly in the corner of the room.
Hunter and Shawn worked together to prepare a new IV bag. "I want to change the IV port while I can, Adam. This will sting, but only for a moment." Hunter gave Adam's shoulder a pat.
Adam swallowed the ice in his mouth. "I... un... der... " his voice cracked and his eyes began to flutter. A tremble rattled his body.
Hunter quickly put the new IV port in the back of Adam's left hand. Before he could finish, Adam was gone, replaced by the black and red eyed demon.
The demon spoke. "You thought I was gone. You fools! I told you, he is mine!" the thing laughed with a vile intonation. Hunter added the sedative to the IV and it didn't take too long. The demon rested once again.
Roman let out a sob filled sigh. Bray and Shawn both helped him up and out of the room. Hunter applied the Holy Water to the bindings.
"That, with the copper should assure they won't come off." Mark gave Hunter a nod. The Physician replaced the cap on the bottle of blessed water.
Hunter looked at Mark and Wade. "Okay, we're alone. I want the fucking truth. Are we going to get Adam back, or do I need to start making arrangements for Independence?" He was deadly serious as he stared the two men down with a face like thunder.
Wade glanced at Mark. Neither man knew exactly what to say. Mark spoke. "I honestly don't know, yet. We'll have to see if Sheamus can find out anything. We're doing and will continue to do all we can. Don't you dare start to give up. Roman needs you to be strong." Mark laid a firm hand on Hunter's shoulder.
"You're right. I'm sorry. It's just... I'm really worried about keeping him sedated. I've already increased the dosage. The one before this should have knocked him out for seventy-two hours. Any more and there is a high risk of permanent brain damage. We have to find a place where his screaming won't matter. Mark, I'm speaking as a Doctor, not a friend, understand?" Hunter looked from Adam to Mark. His eyes were overflowing with concern.
"I understand. Wade and I were talking about it. If we have to, we'll find a remote place and camp out. At least it's summer. We'd better set up the motion detectors. It's about time to send out the others." Mark gave Hunter a pat on the back. He and Wade then went about setting the detectors.
Wade settled into a chair by the window, he had the old leather bound book in his lap. The Wizard cast a glance at the sleeping demon infested form of Adam. He opened the book and began to read. There had to be an answer, somewhere, there just had to be.
Seth, Jason, Dean and Chris said good bye and headed out. It was five in the late Irish afternoon. Seth figured it was just enough time to get set up and run a test.
Up in their suite, Roman, Heath, Mark and Bray set up the live feed receiving monitor and computer. Luke and Erick had gone to lie down. Jet lag was a new experience, they had never flown before, and it added to the situation that they were in an Air Force test plane. They knew now why they had always driven to Iowa to visit Bray.
As they worked, Bray expounded on Heyman helping them out. "... he said he owed Adam for bringing his family back together. Of course, I didn't tell him any details only that Adam desperately needed help on a case in Ireland. He said he'd make a few calls, and here we are." He stated as he plugged everything into a wall socket.
"We'll have to take them to a nice dinner or something. Thank you, Bray. We needed you... Adam needs you..." Roman once again hugged the father figure of Bray Wyatt.
Dean and Chris pulled into a lay-by that was about half way between the hotel and Leap Castle. They immediately started setting up their satellite relay. Dean got on the roof of the van and fed the GPS coordinates into the satellite's mini computer.
Chris fired up the main computer and with a program Seth had written, was able to manually fine tune the satellite. Dean came down and sat next to Chris. All they could do now was wait for a call from Seth.
When Seth and Jason pulled up to the gates of Leap, Sheamus was waiting with Drew. The Irishman introduced the Scotsman. Drew and Seth remembered each other with a warm hug. Drew was handsome with his long, waist length hair pulled into a pony tail. He had piercing eyes and he wore a kilt. However, he was all business as he looked over the live feed system Seth had managed to rig together.
"Should work. My FLIR is studio quality. Here's the relay chip." Drew stated as he handed Seth a small, nearly flat plastic box with a micro chip.
"We'll head up to the castle. I'll contact you when we're ready to test." Sheamus too was extremely serious. He and Drew both knew a man's very soul depended on them. It was a heavy burden to carry, but one they carried willingly.
Roman paced from the balcony to the area in the living room where they had set up to receive the live feed. He looked at his pocket watch. He smiled, the watch had been a wedding gift from Adam. The front was etched with a Viking ship and a Samoan war shield. Inside was etched, "To R.J.R Our love is forever, love A.J.C.R." and their wedding date was etched below that. Roman was never without the beautiful silver watch.
Roman looked when he felt a hand on his shoulder; it was Bray. "I was with him when he bought that. Took six stores before he found a jeweller who could etch that cover. Adam also remarked it was the first time he used the Reigns last name; he was so proud. We'll get your Adam back; I swear it. The feed is up, come on." Bray nodded to the lap top monitor.
Roman quickly sat down next to Heath. He watched as Heath carefully followed the instructions Seth had written down. Seth's knowledge of computers and electronics baffled most of the group, but so far, Seth hadn't failed them.
The tip of Heath's tongue stuck out at the corner of his mouth as he carefully typed in each number or letter. As he worked the live feed camera, the picture became clearer and the sound louder. When he finished, it was if they were actually standing next to Sheamus.
"This is better than I thought it would be." Heath spoke into the radio that connected him with Seth and Dean.
Seth's voice crackled in reply "Thank Drew. He gave me a special micro chip. He has a studio camera... Roman, it's a FLIR!" There was a tone of awe in Seth's voice.
Everyone from Seth, down the line to Dean to the hotel, fell silent as they watched Sheamus, with Drew behind the camera, make their way up the stairs to the Bloody Chapel of Leap Castle.
Wade looked up as Shawn came into the room with a fresh pot of tea. Hunter was adjusting the flow of Adam's IV. He'd added another half dose of sedative to the bag.
Adam rested, but his breaths were rapid, like an animal. Every time the demon was active, Hunter noted the increased breathing rate. That was why he'd added more sedative to the infusion. Hunter relaxed as Adam's breathing slowed to a more normal, human pace. This time he'd kept the demon at bay.
Hunter sat down, across from Wade with a sigh. "Got it in time. Thanks , darling, I needed this." He sipped the tea Shawn had poured for him.
"It's getting worse. Mark is right, we can't stay here. Look, I'm going to contact my Uncle, see if he knows of a place we can go." Wade got up and left the room.
"That's not easy for him. According to Mark, Wade's family relations are strained." Shawn explained as he sat on the footstool next to Hunter and sipped his own tea. Shawn cast his eyes up at the ceiling, were they having any luck?
Sheamus was on the screen. He'd been calling out to the Monk's spirit for several minutes and so far, there had been no response.
Roman stared at the screen. His lips silently formed the word "Please" over and over. His fingers were laced together so tightly they were white. His left food tapped like a machine gun.
Bray had tried to calm Roman, but had finally given up. He watched the screen, hoping to see or hear something, anything to help Adam.
Mark gave a sudden grunt. He pointed to the screen. "Look." He pointed to an image that began to glow blue in the corner.
Roman's eyes grew narrow and he leaned in for a closer look. "That's the same corner where I saw the Priest, right before I was attacked. Come on you bastard, come on."
Sheamus spoke again. "I can see you. Please... we need your help... come forward... you know me... we've spoken before."
They watched as the image grew into a man shaped and sized blue mass. Drew kept his camera focused on the mass.
A very faint, arid voice was heard. "Why... trub... le...me..." the voice was broken as the image spoke. It sounded angry.
Sheamus replied. "Sorry if we disturbed you... please... we need your help... we ask for your mercy... as a priest... a Monk of the order..." He kept his tone respectful as he spoke to the religious robed spirit.
Breaths were held, from Seth, to Dean to the hotel as they watched and waited. Even though Adam's soul was at stake, it was still extremely fascinating to watch a conversation with the spirit realm.
Wade came back into the room. He had a soft smile on his face as he sat down. "We'd better start to pack up. We're going to my Uncle's. He lives very close to Stonehenge, in West Amesbury. It's nearly a ten hour trip and we have to take the ferry to England, but, it's our best chance. My Uncle welcomes us, and he is aware of Adam; he wants to help. Can we travel with him?" Wade cast a question filled gaze at the sleeping Adam.
Back up in the other hotel suite, Roman and others were getting frustrated. Sheamus and the spirit were not making much progress. The priest was communicating, but was more interested in the fact "he" had been disturbed.
The people watching could tell that Sheamus was getting just as frustrated. He rubbed his ginger bearded chin, and tried again. "Please... a soul is in danger... won't you please, please help us?" Sheamus sounded like he was on the verge of getting down on his knees and begging.
Drew focused closer on the blue mass. You could tell, even better, that the figure had the shape of a hooded Monk.
The spirit gave what sounded like a sigh. "Ask..." was the only word that any one clearly heard, but Seth was sure there had been more.
Sheamus gave a slight bow. "Thank you... can you tell me... the name of the spirit that went into one of my friends...Adam?" He spoke slowly and directly to the Priest in the corner.
The spirit seemed to shake its hooded head. "Can... not... betray... others... no..." the voice grew even fainter and the blue mass began to shrink and fade.
Sheamus glanced at the screen Drew held, but even without the image, he could tell the Monk was fading. "Please... as a man of the cloth... help us. Save Adam's soul... save his life... please!" Sheamus shouted his last few words in desperation.
The voice responded, but the words were so airy and faint they couldn't be made out. Drew pressed a button and the image on the screen changed from infrared to normal.
Sheamus spoke. "I couldn't hear his last words. I'm sorry. I tried, oh God, I tried." The Irishman was near tears as he spoke. His face showed utter defeat.
Seth spoke over his device. "You did great, Shea, you too Drew. Fantastic images. Don't give up yet, anyone. I still have to go over the audio. You never know. I'm sure the spirit spoke before he left. There is always a chance he told us something. Break down, and we'll be back soon." Seth ended the live transmission with a hope filled voice.
When Roman, Mark, and Bray came back to the downstairs suite, Hunter and Wade were looking at a map. They also noticed a few packed bags by the door. More brows were raised when Evan came in with his and Chris' bags, packed and ready.
Mark looked at his fiancé. "We going somewhere?" His brow was highly arched in question.
Wade nodded as he pointed to the map. "West Amesbury, to my Uncle's estate. You can see Stonehenge to the west. He welcomed, all of us, and has offered to help with Adam." He smiled. Wade was still so pleased that his Uncle had so willingly offered to help.
Roman sat down in slight shock. "Can Adam... will... is it safe? How far?"
"Five hundred eighty seven kilometres. That's roughly three hundred sixty five miles. It's about ten hours. If we hurry, we can just catch the last ferry down at Rosslare Harbor. We'll enter Wales, get to the M four and be at my Uncles by either late morning or early afternoon. So... anything?" Wade explained, as kept drawing a red line on the map so show the route.
Mark told everyone about the live feed. He still had hope that Seth could find out something that would help. "... so, it wasn't a total bust, not yet anyway. Now, like Roman asked, can Adam make the trip?" He looked hard at Hunter.
Hunter looked from Mark to Roman. "Yes, it can be done. If we keep him... secured. I'll give him another full dose of sedative, but after that, I can't keep him under. We'll make a bed in the back of the van. Everyone, better get yourselves packed. We're leaving as soon as the others get back." His words were firm and his face was like an etched stone.
Heath had just finished shutting down the computer. He placed the disc he'd recorded into a jewel case. He started when Roman and Bray burst into the room. Roman explained about the sudden trip. Heath jumped up and went off to pack his and Jason's bags. Bray went to help Roman pack his and Adam's things.
"I'll rent a car when we get to Wales. The boys and I take up a lot of room..." Bray said with a nod to the two large men, snoring away in the bed Roman once shared with Adam. Luckily they had not yet unpacked.
Roman took his and Adam's bags downstairs to let Bray wake his boys. Roman had no more gotten to the room when Seth and the others returned. Sheamus and Drew were with them.
Hunter quickly again explained about the sudden trip. Sheamus then filled them in on what had happened at Leap. He was also more than happy for the group to take the vehicles to West Amesbury. Sheamus and Drew stayed to help load the vans.
Sheamus lifted the last of Seth's tote boxes into the back of the van. "Well fella, I wish you luck. I'm sorry Leap was a failure. Let me know what happens. Drew and I will come down and pick up the vehicles sometime. Be prayin' for Adam. May the wind be always at your back." He gave Seth a firm hug and kissed his friend's cheek.
"Don't feel bad, Shea. We may learn something yet. I'll be spending the ride listening to the audio. Can't thank you enough for the use of the vehicles. You are a good friend. I'll call you, promise." Seth smiled, returned Sheamus' hug and kiss and bid his two friends farewell.
When Seth walked back into the hotel, the desk clerk flashed him an unhappy frown. Seth just kept going til he was safe in his suite, where the others were gathered. "We may be in trouble. The clerk doesn't look happy." Seth relayed what he'd just seen.
Shawn nodded. "Well, she knows we're packing to leave. We said we'd be here at least three weeks, it's barely been one. Come on, Hunt, we'd better explain... without explaining."
By the time the Helmsley's returned, everyone was ready and all the baggage was loaded. Heath was busy double checking he carnets and passports. They would need them to get into Wales and then England. Seth gave him the vehicles permission papers from Sheamus.
"Well, we're set with the hotel. I told her Adam was very ill and we have to get him to the hospital in London. I know, but I wasn't about to tell her the truth now was I? Let me get Adam ready, then we can leave." Hunter explained with a serious voice. He was extremely worried about moving Adam.
Shawn looked at Bray's boys. "Luke, Erick, we could use your help. You boys can help block Adam from view. Do you mind?" He looked at the two human mountains, brow raised.
Erick Rowan stood six feet eight inches and weighed around three hundred and twenty pounds. His head was bald, but his face boasted a long, bushy reddish brown beard and moustache. He was muscular, lean and not an ounce of fat on his body.
Luke Harper stood six food five and weighed two hundred seventy-five pounds. He too was muscular and had more bulk that Erick. Luke had raven black, shoulder length hair and he too sported a huge bushy beard and moustache. Together they could form a wall that would block Adam from anyone watching.
Of the two, Luke spoke more than Erick. He looked at Shawn. "Of course, we'll do anything to help." His voice was deep, but soft with a full southern drawl. Erick just nodded in agreement, but he smiled under his beard.
Shawn smiled. "Thank you. We're glad you're here. Make yourselves at home around us, we are a big family." He gave the two big men another warm smile, then went to help Hunter.
Hunter had just finished giving Adam an extra strong dose of sedative. Roman gently unfastened the bindings from Adam's wrists and ankles. Tears streamed down his face.
Hunter motioned Shawn over. "He's upset. I told him we have to put Adam in the straight jacket I carry. I'm afraid not to, Shawn. If he wakes up..." His words faded. He felt awful as he pulled the jacket from the bottom of his large medical tote.
The straight jacket wasn't the old fashioned kind made from heavy canvas, it was made of a strong, Kevlar coated nylon. The buckles were thick and strong. Shawn wet them down well with Holy Water.
Hunter, jacket in hand, went over to Roman. "You want me to do it, son? There was a deep sadness in the Physician's voice. Hunter knew the implications of Adam in a straight jacket.
Roman turned his tear stained face to the older man. His eyes scanned the material in Hunter's hands. "No. I'll do it. Can you leave us alone, please?" He took the restraining jacket from Hunter's hands.
Hunter laid a hand on Roman's shoulder. "Of course, but remember, we need to get going." He and Shawn carried the tote of medical supplies between them.
Roman sighed when he heard the door close. He looked at a peacefully sleeping Adam. A few fresh tears tracked down into his beard. Roman reached out and caressed Adam's cheek. He noticed Adam's facial hair was getting rough and scruffy to the touch, his blond hair had lost it's silken sheen, it broke his heart even further. But, Adam was still his pretty boy.
"My sleeping beauty. Oh baby, I know you're in there, fighting. Keep fighting, baby. Keep on..." He paused as he began to put the awful jacket on his husband.
He gently raised Adam up to fasten the buckles behind Adam's back. When he laid Adam back down, Roman sobbed again. In the jacket, Adam's arms were crossed over his chest, he nearly resembled a corpse.
"I'm so sorry, my love. It's to protect you, I hope you can understand that. We're going to take you to Wade's Uncle, he can help you. Hey baby, you will get to see Stonehenge. It's going to be alright, I promise..." Roman stopped talking when he heard a voice in his head.
"Roman, it's me, Grandmother Copeland." The voice was soft and calming. To Roman, it was if she was standing right behind him.
Roman stroked Adam's brow. He spoke in a whisper. "I love him, so much. It kills me to bind him up like... a crazy man." He gave a deep sniff as he tucked a bit of dull blond hair behind Adam's ear.
"I know you do. He loves you, so very much. You're doing the right thing, Roman. He could be dangerous, you're protecting him. I wish I could get to him. What ever has him is ancient. Roman, don't give up... don't... giv..." Adam's grandmother's words faded from Roman's mind. Roman felt her warmth surround him. It gave him the courage and strength he needed.
"I'll never give up." Roman spoke with a renewed confidence. He pulled a blanket up over Adam. No one needed to see the horrid jacket.
Roman gently picked up an unconscious Adam and carried him out to the main room. Bray, Luke and Erick, along with Mark and Wade followed Roman out into the hallway. Once in the hall, the five walking mountains made a wall around Roman and Adam. They walked through the lobby and out to the parking lot where the vehicles were waiting.
Roman settled into a seat and kept Adam in his lap. He felt safer holding Adam in his arms than putting him on the floor of the van. Jason sat next to Roman and put Adam's feet in his lap. Heath sat next to Jason. Their faces were like carved stone. Jason was especially worried, he felt responsible for Adam, just like when they were children, and Jason protected him from the bullies that didn't understand how special Adam was.
"His grandmother spoke to me. She can't get to him. Told me not to give up." Roman muttered as Mark drove them out of the parking lot. They had to hurry to make the last ferry of the night to Wales.
When they arrived at Rosslare Harbor, there were only two other cars on the ferry with them.
Normally, everyone would have gotten out and walked around, to watch the moonlit Irish Sea. Everyone was too worried about Adam to care about the scenery.
Adam hadn't moved, but Roman knew he was alright. Adam's breathing was steady. Hunter checked his vitals to be sure.
"He's resting peacefully. I think he knows he's in your arms." Hunter spoke softly. He gave Roman a pat on the shoulder.
"We'll look for someplace to pull over when we get to Wales. We have to stretch." Shawn added his thoughts. Roman just nodded and held his Adam close. It was more like holding a broken doll, held together with strips of cloth and tape. It was a heart breaking feeling.
When the ferry docked, the two black vehicles drove on. In the dark of the night they found a lay-by and stopped. Shawn stayed with Adam while Roman very briefly stretched his legs. Mark and Wad looked at the map they had laid out on a nearby picnic table. Flashlights lit the map like daylight.
Wade pointed out West Amesbury. "It's a long drive. Hunter?" He looked hard at the Physician.
Hunter knew what Wade was asking. "I hope so. I can't give him any more, it's too dangerous. I hope your Uncle is prepared for what we're bringing to him."
Wade nodded. "He is. We'd better get going. Remember, drive left." He gave Mark a wink and folded the map.
Roman settled Adam back into his lap. A constant reminder of Adam's predicament, the buckle of the straight jacket rubbed against his abdomen.
The two black vehicles sped down the A 48 to the border of Wales and England. Wade expertly led the way to the M4, the main artery of the Untied Kingdom. They had to stop for fuel a couple of hours later.
There was a moment of worry when Adam let out a whimper and restlessly stirred in Roman's arms. Hunter had stayed in the van while the others stretched.
The Physician took Adam's vitals while Roman spoke softly to his husband. The moment of panic had passed, Adam settled back into his deep, sedated sleep. Both Hunter and Roman were relieved.
By the time they neared West Amesbury, the sun was starting to come up. It was going to be a beautiful, sunny day. The early morning sky were the pastel colors of pink and yellow, so soft compared to the hard task ahead.
They were so concentrated, the two black vehicles passed Stonehenge without a single notice from the passengers.
Heath and Evan had fallen asleep in the arms of Jason and Chris. Seth was too anxious to sleep. He'd tried to listen to the recording from Leap but it was just too noisy in with the sounds of the vehicle engine and the tires on the road. He longed for a nice, quiet place to work.
Wade turned down a one lane road, surrounded by a well trimmed box hedge. He turned down another lane, this one too was lined with hedges, but they weren't trimmed. The hedges scraped against the vehicles as they drove.
Everyone was taken aback. Wade had stopped in front of a house that looked as ancient as the land. They had arrived at Regal Manner.